Author's note: I don't own any of the characters. They belong to Tite Kubo. The original characters belong to me.

Chapter 10: Prophecy of Fate

Inside the majestic palace of Esperanza, El Dorado, Hueco Mundo

Inside the throne room in Esperanza, the ruler of Imperio de Hierro: Augustus Zod Allowin, was having a private talk with Tier Harribel, who had recently been inducted into the Dechados. The former Espada was now kneeling before him with respect while the ancient Arrancar sat on his throne, his elderly eyes facing Harribel.

"You seem very downed, young one. I can tell it by feeling your essence" Allowin noted lowly as he had begun noticing how shameful Harribel seemed as she was kneeling before him.

"I don't understand…" Harribel spoke up and rose to her feet. She appeared quite humble. "You came to me and offered a place amongst your strongest, but I stubbornly rejected your offer. As a result, I faced the Quincies and lost to them in shame. So why…...why did you give me a second chance, despite my previous rejection?" she asked him while explaining everything that had happened so far.

Allowin sighed deeply in hearing this, yet he did not seem irritated nor annoyed. "I know that you did, Tier Harribel. However, as harsh as it was to see your rejection…..I could not fault you" he spoke up, his eyes slightly filled with sympathy.

Harribel's azure eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?" she wondered.

The emperor suddenly rose up from his throne and took small steps towards her. "I have been watching you, Harribel. You may have ended up becoming a servant to a foul Shinigami. But before that, you were known to be a compassionate fighter, similar to that of your fellow former Espada: Nelliel Tu Odelschwank" he began explaining while standing before the blonde-haired woman with a smile, which was incredibly different from his angry attitude towards Urahara earlier. "Even though two of you are Esclavos, both you and Nelliel retained your sense of honor as Arrancars. It is a great shame that I did not have enough strength to reach out to you before you were found. Because I also know that you always held Aizen in high regard…until he betrayed you on the battlefield" the elderly Arrancar went on.

Harribel could not help but to feel anger brewing inside of her. She still remembered that day, when Aizen, whom she had always served loyally, turned against her by slashing her with his Kyoka Suigetsu. That day had made Harribel realize that all this time, Aizen had only been using her, along with the other Espadas and Arrancars. However, he did not expect them to trust him, but to rather fear him. That would explain why Aizen used enormous Spiritual Pressure to keep them in line, like a grasshopper doing the same with ants.

"Damn him…" Harribel muttered lowly, and she faced Allowin. "If I ever see Aizen again, he will die by my blade! That I swear!" she declared, her resentment on full display.

Allowin stood and listened how bitter the young woman's voice sounded. But he then decided to continue speaking. "And ever since that day, you cannot put trust in anyone, except for your Fracciòn. Therefore, it is not in my place to judge you for your past mistakes. You had legitimate reasons for turning us down" the emperor told her. "On the other hand, I knew that a proud and honorable warrior like you deserves to have second chance. And you shall be given that by eliminating all enemies of El Dorado, our true home" he went on explaining.

Harribel eventually understood what he was trying to tall her and she immediately kneeled before him with respect, it was after all, he who had decided to save her from captivity in Silbern. "I am yours to serve, Your Highness. For El Dorado!" she declared.

"Then rise up, my daughter!" Allowin commanded her and the paragon did as he said. Seeing her standing so firm and tall made the emperor smile at her. "You have proven your worth to redeem yourself, Tier Harribel. For that, you deserve a reward. Allow me to give you something in return as a token of my gratitude for your bravery" the muscular Arrancar told her and looked sideways, with Harribel doing the same thing.

Harribel's eyes widened by seeing her Fracciòn entering the throne room. Emilou Apacci, Franceska Mila Rose and Cyan Sung-Sun all ran towards their leader with overjoy.

"Lady Harribel!" they all shouted together, kneeling before her in respect. Harribel was on the verge of crying, as she had been worried about them since she was held prisoner by Yhwach.

"How...when did you three..." Harribel had so many questions.

"We were captured by the Imperio de Hierro's soldiers, but His Highness made sure they treated us fairly" Sung-Sun told her.

"Yeah, it was no big deal, really" Apacci assured her while scoffing. "In fact, we were more worried about you. That's what really made us worry once we got captured." she admitted to her mistress.

Mila Rose only crossed her arms at Apacci's words. "And whose fault do you think that is?" she asked while looking at Apacci, who got ticked off in return.

"Again with the blaming game!?" she spat at Mila Rose. "We all know that your lousy ass was not strong enough to hold off the Quincies!" she hit back, only for Mila Rose to come up to her face.

"You better take that back, numbskull!" the black-skinned Arrancar retorted back and both women were on the verge of starting a fight once again.

Despite seeing them bicker so childishly, Harribel still didn't mind it, as she was only glad to see them being alive and well. The former Espada then turned around and faced Allowin, eventually nodding formally towards him.

"I greatly appreciate you for taking my Fracciòn into El Dorado. By my blade, I will protect this city, as well as the empire" she thanked him while swearing an oath before her new superior.

Allowin continued to smile and weakly nodded his head at her in approval. Before returning to his throne, she faced her and the bickering Fracciòn one last time. "You may do as you please for now, young ones. I will call upon you if needed. Until then, you are all dismissed" he told the group and walked back towards his throne.

In the streets of El Dorado, Hueco Mundo

Jinta and Ururu were currently sitting by a bridge, watching a canal of water that ran underneath. It was surprising to see how water truly existed in Hueco Mundo, given the enormous deserts it was known for. However, El Dorado was the only place that had water. Then again, the wonders of this city were breathtaking. Not even the Sereitei nor Las Noches had fountains or canals. In addition to that, the city itself was built inside a mountain. There was no doubt that this was the paradise for all those who wandered the endless steppes of Hueco Mundo.

Right now, the two teenagers could spot small boats that were being rowed by Arrancars and Hollows alike. The boats almost looked like gondolas, only wider than ordinary ones. Many of these boats were carrying supplies or other kinds of things.

"Where do you think those boats are heading off to?" Jinta asked Ururu, her gaze focused on the canals.

"No idea. I'm not familiar with these canals" was all that Ururu could muster. "But they seem to be transporting some important supplies. I mean, look at that bridge over there" she said while pointing her finger at the bridge across from their own.

From what they saw, tall, hulking Hollows were carrying heavy barrels and crates while crossing it. The two teenagers were eventually joined by Nelliel, who had been tasked to keep them safe from any harm.

"Those Hollows seem to be carrying supplies to the markets. That place is always a busy place" the Dechado noted as she observed the scene.

Both Ururu and Jinta were surprised. However, Jinta flashed a smug grin, and he turned around and faced the sea green-haired Arrancar. "Hey, Nelliel, do those markets sell any worthy stuff or something?" he asked her.

Nelliel took her time to think. "I have only been there a couple of times, but I know that they at least sell some gold and….." she stopped by seeing Jinta jump in the air.

"Alright! It's the prefect chance for me to go look for a present to give Yuzu!" the red-haired teenager exclaimed with confidence.

Ururu only looked at him dumbfounded, despite her meek appearance. "You really think you can find something she will like?" she asked him.

Jinta only laughed cockily in return and then proceeded to stand on the bridge's edge. "Damn straight! Come on, I did say I was gonna ask Yuzu out once this crap was over, didn't I?" he asked Ururu and then faced down the canal below him. "Well, I'm gonna need a gift to impress her, so I'll head down to the markets and see if there is one. Later! Geronimooooo…." Jinta was about to jump down in the water, until he could feel someone holding him by the back of his shirt.

Turning around, he saw Nelliel hold him firmly, her face filled with disappointment at seeing such reckless behavior. "That's as far as you go, Jinta Hanakari" she told him strictly.

Jinta was irritated. "Hey! Why did you stop me!?" he asked her with an annoyed glance.

"You are allowed to row a boat in these waters. But diving or swimming into it is strictly prohibited! The water that flows in these canals and fountains is the drinking water of El Dorado. All its citizens consider it valuable, so it is not to be tainted by your sweaty body" Nelliel strictly told him, much to Jinta's anger, as he didn't feel like he was sweating at all.

"Sweaty? Me!? That's so rude!" the teenage boy snapped at her.

"Could you have killed Jinta if he had jumped into the water?" Ururu suddenly asked Nelliel out of curiosity.

Nelliel shook her head. "I wouldn't. But they certainly would" she said and motioned for a group of Arrancars carrying, swords, shields and armor.

These Arrancars were the El Dorado's city guard, also known as the Ojos. The one leading the patrol was an Arrancar with a bull-shaped skull on his head. He was very familiar, especially to Nelliel and other former Esclavos. As his gaze met hers, Nelliel smiled at him.

"Well met, Captain Rudbornn Chelute" she addressed him cordially.

The former Commander of the Exequias bowed his head formally in return, as did those men behind him. "The honor is mine, Lady Nelliel Tu Odelschwank" Rudbornn said before noticing her holding Jinta. "Has that outsider caused enough trouble for you? Shall I dispose him?" he asked while slightly unsheathing his Zanpakutou, much to Jinta's shock.

But Nelliel raised her handpalm. "No, that won't be necessary. His Highness has put me in charge of both him and this girl. I am more than happy to discipline this troublemaker myself. But I appreciate your offer, nevertheless" the female paragon replied, trying to sound polite as possible

Seeing this, Rudbornn pulled back his blade and bowed towards Nelliel with ronce again. "Very well, if you insist" he said before changing his direction. "Then we best be on our way. May the Skyfather watch over you" the skull-faced Arrancar said and he and his Ojos continued their patrol.

Jinta sighed deeply in relief. "Man, that was close!" he thought before looking up to Nelliel with an apologetic look. "Hey…..thanks for sticking up for me" he then thanked her, considering that she had stood up for him.

While Nelliel took in his gratitude, Ururu glanced at Jinta with a deep frown. "Why do I usually get stuck with him and his problems?" she wondered in her head.

"Who was that bull-horned dude anyway? You two seemed to know each" Jinta suddenly asked Nelliel, who had her eyes focused on the group Ojos that were on their move.

"That was Rudbornn Chelute. He was once the Commander of the Exequias, as well as an Arrancar in service of Aizen. But like many of us, he answered the true call of our people and joined the Imperio de Hierro, eventually becoming a Captain in the Ojos" Nelliel explained while recalling what she knew about him.

Ururu's eyes snapped in surprise. "Now that I think about it, he shares the same last name with that Legionario named Borddum" the meek girl recalled the time they first saw Borddum.

Nelliel nodded her head in return. "Indeed. That's because both Rudbornn and Borddum come from the same family, which is, to my knowledge, of noble blood" she replied.

Both Ururu and Jinta raised an eyebrow at her, as they did not know what she was trying to tell them. However, sooner or later, they would know more about El Dorado and its people. Perhaps Nelliel could be the one helping them learn?

"Now about going to the marketplace" the two teenagers looked at the paragon, as she was in deep thought. "I've been considering buying something for Ichigo. You know, as a present" she began speaking her desires.

Jinta immediately fixed a smug and mischievous grin, as he knew what Nelliel was planning to do. "So, you plan on buying something for that carrot top? That's pretty thoughtful of you. I bet you must like Ichigo" the red-haired boy teasingly said, causing Nelliel woman to blush in return.

The blushing did not just come from Nelliel's marking running across her cheekbones and nose, but by her own sensation. She could see the deviant look on Jinta's face, and it only told her that he was keen on teasing her.

"I've n-no idea what you're talking about! Don't say such things!" she said, trying to deny that something was going on between them.

"Take it easy! It's alright if you have feelings for him" Jinta said and suddenly got an idea, once again looking smug towards her. "In fact, I think Ichigo pretty much likes you in return" he told the paragon in a mischievous manner.

The female Arrancar could not stop blushing and she tried to hide it as best as she could. "Oh…...you really think so?" she asked awkwardly.

Jinta's expression never ceased. "Sure, he does! I mean, look at you. Your body is in killer shape! That idiot will have his eyes glued on you if you keep showing yourself to him in that form. Hell, Ichigo may as well begin mastur…EYOUCH!" Jinta was interrupted when Ururu suddenly stomped on his left foot and boy did that feel painful.

Ururu faced Jinta with disdain as he sat on the ground holding his sore foot. "You're such an impulsive idiot, Jinta" the teenage girl told him before facing Nelliel, who was taken aback at seeing Ururu's action. "We would appreciate if you accompanied us to the marketplace. There will probably be a lot of stares from Hollows and Arrancars, given that we are Humans" the meek girl told the Arrancar, who giggled in return.

"Very well. Follow me, then" Nelliel said and both she and Ururu headed towards the marketplace.

Jinta was jumping with one foot to catch up with them, but he accidentally tripped and fell onto the ground, much to his frustration.

"I'll make you pay for this someday, Ururu!" he muttered angrily, still feeling pain in his foot.

Nearby, outside Conociomento

Orihime and Chad had been escorted out of the observatory by Pieddot. Both Humans had just been listening to a shocking revelation by the researcher regarding their origins. Orihime had managed to gain composure, after breaking into tears over revelations of her past.

Yet despite being told about this, Pieddot did not necessarily seem intentionally malicious or evil, seeing how he was willing to tell them this. But Orihime was still feeing distraught over the subject so the Dechado decided to help her seek peace.

Before the two Humans could depart, Pieddot decided to leave a few words of advice to them. "Now remember everything I have told you, young ones. There may be more of your people still left in the Human World. But they are few, especially the Interminables" the masked Arrancar told them. "There is nothing more I can do for you, but I have some good news for you. Seek out Killaman Khan, the overseer and oracle amongst the Dechados. He is the key in finding the answers you seek. As a matter of fact, I have already sent word to him and he requested to meet with you at the marketplace. Go there and meet up with him. Farewell then, visitors. Until we meet again" Pieddot concluded and turned around to return to his study in the observatory.

After watching him go away, Chad decided to speak with Orihime, hoping that she would at least possess enough spirit to speak with him. "Orihime…are you feeling okay?" he asked lowly.

Despite not looking at him, Orihime did seem to want to answer his question. "I am fine…for now" the orange-haired woman said with a slight smile, before it turned upside down. "Chad…I know this may sound stupid, but I really wanna go see this Killaman Khan" she admitted to him.

Chad's only visible eye widened a little, as he could not believe that's what she wanted. "I won't stop you from seeing him…...but are you sure?" he asked her, wanting to make sure that she didn't lie.

Orihime nodded weakly. "I still feel that there remains a lot of questions unanswered with regards to my past. While I learned much from Pieddot, a part of me refuses to believe that Shinigamis murdered my parents. I must know the entire truth!" she said with determination in her voice.

As much as Chad wanted to open his mouth to protest, he understood Orihime's wishes. She had been through so much, so she deserved to find out the truth. Acknowledging his friend's determination, Chad formed a weak smile.

"Very well…...but at least let me accompany you" he told her.

Hearing this made Orihme smile, as she was grateful for having a friend like Chad by her side, especially since Ichigo, Uryu or even Tatsuki was not here at the moment. The orange-haired woman had been secretly missing them all, especially the two former.

"Okay. Then let's head to the marketplace!" Orihime said in her normally cheerful manner, which actually surprised her tall friend.

"It's odd…..." Chad noted in his thoughts. "Orihime have just learned something that could change her life forever, yet she still feels so…...happy. But then again, she always has a tendency to try easing up on all distress whenever the situation is" he added while following her to the city center.

In the marketplace, the center of El Dorado

Even in a city of Hollows, there was life in El Dorado's central marketplace, which was crawling with shopkeepers and their stands. Hollows and Arrancars alike were gathered in large crowds as they looked at what was being sold. At the same time, crowds of them stood before a herald, as he was having a speech in front of the crowds. The speech was all about the recent reemergence of the Quincies, as well as the threat Yhwach possessed to Hueco Mundo.

When Nelliel arrived, some Arrancars and Hollows had knelt before her in respect while others, particularly males, whistled at her in amazement, considering how they found a female Dechado quite attractive. For some obvious reason, Annabelle was not included in that category of attractive Arrancar-women.

"Nelliel has quickly been accepted into this society, despite her previously serving Aizen" Ururu noted to Jinta, who was resting his hands behind his neck while huffing.

"Tch, maybe it's because of the fact that she is incredibly sexy…for an Arrancar, that is" the red-haired boy remarked while not necessarily paying attention to what Ururu said.

What both teenagers had noticed was the fact that they were given many stares by the citizens. But the Arrancars and Hollows did not necessarily seem intent on devouring them, let alone kill them on sight. They were mostly surprised by the fact that they were accompanied by a Dechado like Nelliel.

Jinta and Ururu followed the female Arrancar to a shack, where a brown-furred Hollow with the head of a deer as his Hollow-shell was selling some stuff. He noticed Nelliel's appearance and immediately bowed towards her.

"Greetings, Lady Nelliel. How may I be of service?" the Hollow spoke up, but soon noticed the two teenagers looking at his stuff. "Ah, so you have brought with you these outsiders today. Intriguing" he added while observing Ururu and Jinta.

Nelliel exchanged nods with the Hollow. "I am glad to see you again, Ceirwutz. I was just looking for something to buy as a present for someone" she told him.

"A present? For that hot-headed fool Grimmjow? Surely you jest!" the Hollow asked while expressing his distaste of the Legionario.

"You've got it all wrong! I'm definitely not buying a present for him! No way!" Nelliel insisted quickly as her cheeks started blushing, which surprised the deer-headed Hollow. "In fact, I am buying it for someone I deeply care about" the attractive Arrancar spoke up, much to Ceirwutz's own curiosity.

"Oh…..I see" Ceirwutz responded, not knowing how to put this.

"HOLY HELL, WHAT IS THAT!?" Jinta asked out loud, as his eyes caught glimpse of a necklace that was exclusively made of gold. It was so shiny that it almost shined like the sun itself.

Eventually, the shopkeeper took notice of Jinta's interest. "Ah, I see you are interested in that necklace" Ceirwutz spoke up, catching Jinta's attention. "That necklace was exclusively made of the gold that exists here in El Dorado. You see, I am also a goldsmith, which explains while some of my other stuff here are made out of gold" the Hollow explained, much to Jinta's own interest.

"Really?" he asked and Ceirwutz nodded his head with antlers. Feeling confident about buying, Jinta pointed his finger at the necklace. "Then I'll take that necklace!" he said with enthusiasm.

"An excellent choice, stranger. Now that will be, let's say, 100 Aquñars" the Hollow said.

The young boy immediately moped by hearing this and he checked his pockets. Realizing that he was broke, he immediately fell into depression. "But I have no money!" he said while feeling so let down.

Ururu became interested by learning that even El Dorado had it's own currency system. "Aquñars must be the currency in El Dorado, just like how Kan is in the Soul Society" the meek girl noted in her thoughts.

Jinta leaned onto Nelliel, almost in a manner of begging her. "Nelliel, you don't happen to have some money I can loan from you, do ya?" the teen asked her, much to the paragon's outrage.

"No way! My Aquñars are mine and I plan on buying a gift for Ichigo! If you want that necklace so badly then get a job and earn some Aquñars yourself!" Nelliel hit back while trying to shrug off the teenage boy.

Ururu watched Jinta's antics unfazed, until she noticed Tier Harribel walk past her and talk to Ceirwutz. What was that blonde-haired woman doing in the marketplace? She watched as Harribel exchanged positive words with the shopkeeper and she handed him over some coins.

Jinta was still begging Nelliel for money, until he noticed somebody reaching out a hand to him with the golden necklace he had just been wanting to buy. Looking up, he saw Harribel facing sideways while holding the necklace before him.

"Here. Take it" the Dechado said while not as much as mincing words. Smiling gleefully, Jinta immediately accepted the necklace and jumped with overjoy, until he was grabbed by Harribel and lifted to her level. "Now then. I have done you a favor, which means that you must do something for me in return" she told him strictly, but Jinta immediately nodded his head as a yes.

"Sure thing! Anything to repay you for securing me a gift to my greatest love!" Jinta insisted, nodding his head repeatedly.

Nelliel giggled at seeing this before speaking with Harribel. "So that's what you were planning on all along? You'll be lucky to have a servant like Jinta. He is kind of charming" she told her fellow paragon and the two former Espadas exchanged laughs between one another.

"Are you planning on buying a present for that Substitute Shinigami?" Harribel asked Nelliel, yet Harribel could tell that was the case. "I fully respect your decisions Nelliel. But remember not to put him before your duties. You are a Dechado now. He is an outsider, so he has no say in what you do" Harribel remined her.

Nelliel sighed deeply by hearing this. "I know that. But I still feel indebted to Ichigo, especially after what he has done for me and my Fracciòn. He rescued me when the other Arrancars did not" she pointed out her reasons to her comrade who listened carefully before forming a deep frown with her mouth. "Damn Aizen for abandoning me! I'll never forgive for what he did to me, Pesche and Dondochakka" she said, still remembering that she had been left abandoned by Aizen, as well as the Espada who had done this to her: Nnoitora Gilga.

The sea green-haired woman suddenly felt Harribel put a hand on her shoulder and they both faced each other like true friends. Even though Harribel's mouth was covered due to her Hollow-shell, Nelliel could read that she was actually smiling at her with encouragement.

"You are not alone. I too have been a victim of Aizen's treacherous antics. And I promise you that if we ever see him again…...he will die…...as he has deserved it" Harribel told her while making a promise to her at the same time.

Nelliel could not help but to smile, as she also felt like the need to dispose of Aizen for his previous actions should she ever encounter him. But she had hoped that would never happen, as Nelliel never wanted to focus on hatred and vengeance like most Arrancars would've done it. The sea green-haired woman nodded at Harribel, and the two female paragons came into an agreement, exchanging laughs once again.

Ururu and Jinta was amazed by how the two ladies were interacting with one another. They both treated each other with respect like comrades. "Strange, I never knew that Arrancars could be so…social" the meek girl remarked by what she saw.

"There you are!" the two teenagers snapped by hearing the voice of Orihime, as she and Chad appraoched them. From the look on her face, she seemed to have returned to her same cheerful mood, even after what she had been told by Pieddot. The two Humans noticed the two Dechados as well. "Oh, hello to you as well Nel…...and Harribel" Orihime added with a greeting directed towards them.

Nelliel only waved at Orihime cheerfully while Harribel just greeted her with a respective nod. "How did the meeting go? Pieddot didn't do anything reckless, did he?" she asked, wanting to know if the imperial researcher had attempted to misbehave.

But Chad shook his head as a no. "He kept true to his word. But he did tell us something important" the tall man explained.

Jinta was getting interested in what Chad was telling them. "Really? Then what did he tell you guys?" the red-haired teen asked him.

For some reason, Chad immediately regretted speaking as he felt like he didn't have the strength to let the two teenagers know of the truth about their people. He had already witnessed what it had done to Orihime, so he could not bring himself to see anyone else being in pain emotionally. Chad noticed how Orihime was reluctant to talk as well, and she had more than enough reasons in doing so. Their refusal to speak left both Jinta and Ururu confused.

But their attentions were caught by the sound of a staff nearing them. Turning around, they saw Killaman Khan walk up to them with his hulking body, the four spikes that served as his Hollow-shell sprouting out from his back. The white-bearded Arrancar smiled at them.

"We meet again, allies of the empire" the paragon said while briefly taking his glance at both Nelliel and Harribel. "And I see that both Nelliel Tu Odelschwank and Tier Harribel are with you as well. How wonderful" he remarked in his cunning voice.

Harribel narrowed her azure eyes at him. "What do you want, oracle?" she asked while crossing her arms.

The old Arrancar chuckled at her slight hostility. "Save your anger, Harribel. I am only here to pick up these two: Yasutora Sado and Orihime Inoue" Killaman said while pointing his finger at the two Humans. "Pieddot already told me about the discussion you two had with him, and he said that you needed my guidance, am I correct?" he noted while asking them whether that was true or not.

Both Humans only nodded weakly. But Nelliel suddenly stepped in between them. "Hold on just a minute. Has His Highness given you permission to have them?" she asked while wanting an answer from him.

"Precisely, Esclavo" Killaman said with a mocking smile, which Nelliel clearly didn't appreciate, let alone the comment. "However, you are more than welcome to come along if you wish. I have no objections to that" he then offered her, but Nelliel did not seem interested.

"Fair enough, I leave them in your care. But I trust that you will uphold the order His Highness has given us" Nelliel said while reminding Killaman about his responsibilities.

Killaman only chuckled in a dismissive manner before facing the two Humans with his gentle, yet cunning look. "Follow me then, visitors. The street I came from will lead us to a small canal, where a boat is waiting for us. We will row the boat out of the city until we reach the other end of the giant lake, where my hut stands" the oracle explained as Orihime and Chad followed him through the street.

As Jinta watched the two walk away, he could not help but to think about something he had just noticed. "I don't get it" he spoke up lowly and Ururu looked at him. "Wouldn't it be fair for us to also know what they were talking about? I mean, we are all on the same team here" the teenage boy added while expressing his slight dissatisfaction about the subject.

"There must be a reason for Orihime to be silent. She did seem awfully troubled" Ururu pointed out to Jinta. "But then again, maybe it would be best if we were not given such revelations, considering our current situation" the black-haired girl added while trying to figure out the reason.

Hearing this made Jinta reflect what Ururu just said, but he was unsure about whether he should agree with her or not.

"So, this is where you two are hanging out, huh?" everyone snapped by hearing a very familiar cocky voice coming from none other than Grimmjow Jeagerjacquez, as he was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Man, don't you get tired of babysitting these brats?" the blue-haired man then asked Nelliel, who only faced him with narrowed eyes, as did Harribel.

"These so-called brats are us Dechados' responsibilities" Nelliel replied sternly. "And that responsibility also includes you Legionarios as well" she then reminded him.

Grimmjow shrugged his shoulders while taking his arms in his pockets. He then moved towards the group, although he had zero interest in the teenagers. "Whatever. I could care less about them" he said while briefly taking a glance at Jinta and Ururu. Jinta felt anger brew inside of him by hearing Grimmjow speaking to them like that, but he knew better than to challenge this Arrancar into a fistfight, as he was indeed a deadly foe. Grimmjow eventually faced Nelliel with a smug smirk. "Say, Nelliel, in case you don't have anything to do, I suggest you attend one of the matches at the Coliseo. There might be something that interests you" he then suggested to her.

But Nelliel huffed and pretended she was not listening. "Dream on. I have more important things to get done than to waste money on watching some meaningless game" she told him before heading back to Ceriwutz's shop to look at something to buy for Ichigo.

"Pfft….so much for being nice" Grimmjow said lowly.

Ururu faced Harribel. "Is he talking about that giant colosseum in this city?" she asked the blonde-haired woman.

Harribel nodded and pointed her finger towards the imposing building. "Yes. It is the place where, based upon what I've heard, citizens of El Dorado attend to watch gladiator matches. The fighters are usually criminals or Esclavos who have refused to acknowledge His Highness as their true ruler. In my opinion such is a fitting fate for them to die as such in a deathmatch" the former Tres Espada told her.

Jinta was about to walk away, until Harribel suddenly appeared right before him, having used her Sonido to block his way. This caught Jintay completely by surprise.

"Where do you think you are going? Haven't you forgotten the repayment that you owe me for giving you that golden necklace?" Harribel reminded him sternly.

Hearing this caused Jinta to snap, as he started regretting accepting the necklace from her. Gulping, he looked up at her and smiled awkwardly. "So…...what do I give you in return?" he asked her.

"You don't owe me anything, expect for your services" the female paragon told him. "Follow me and I will tell you what to do next" she said and even grabbed Jinta's shirt to drag him along with her.

Ururu felt like she needed to see how this would end, so she quickly followed the blonde-haired woman as she was tugging her friend.

Feeling bored, Grimmjow vanished from the market, also by using his Sonido.

Outside the city of El Dorado, inside a hut

Lying on a cliff overlooking the city was a hut belonging to Paragon Killaman Khan. It resembled a giant Native American tent, while it was decorated with skulls, mostly from those belonging to Hollows, as well as feathers and paintings.

Orihime and Chad had been rowed out of he canals of El Dorado to this place outside the city. Once on land, they found their way up with the help of stairs. They never expected someone to be living outside El Dorado.

Inside the hut, the two friends sat across Killaman on their knees. They were all sitting on a carpet. Between them lied a green crystal ball which apparently belonged to the overseer. It was dark inside the hut and the crystal ball began glowing greener. Both friends were awed by seeing this light, and eventually the ball began floating slightly above the carpet.

"What are you doing now?" Chad asked lowly, his visible eye stunned by seeing the crystal ball.

Killaman closed his bright eyes. "I am beginning to communicate with the spirits, asking them for what will happen in this world that will define the future" the white-bearded oracle replied while holding his hands before the crystal ball. "I have brought you two out here because I believe that you know the prophecies as I do. Before I can help you with whatever personal matters you have, you must first hear the prophecies that I have heard of" he added to his explanation.

Orihime was filled with curiosity. "I don't believe it. Can this old Arrancar tell us about the future?" she wondered in her head while noticing that Killaman was humming as a means of trying to "communicate" with the spirits.

Chad had similar thoughts. "While I admit that he does seem trustworthy, I am reluctant to actually take everything he says seriously" the tall man noted calmly. "I mean, can we really trust these…prophecies of his?" he wondered.

Killaman sighed deeply as the crystal ball began spinning around, almost like a globus. It became apparent that he was in some kind of trance and could not even see or hear what Orihime and Chad were either saying or doing. Therefore, it was fruitless for the Humans to even think about interrupting him by touching.

"Maybe he can help me with what I want most" Orihime noted, watching the overseer sitting and meditating with the crystal ball nearing his handpalms. "But I just need to be patient" she added while sitting still.

All of a sudden, Killaman opened his eyes with a snap and he was finally out of the trance, thus forcing him to catch his breath. Both Chad and Orihime could never imagine what kind of visions the Dechado had managed to see while being in that trance. In fact, Killaman was now taking deep breaths to gain his composure. He then faced the two friends with wary eyes.

"These four prophecies…they are more than visions. They are also...warnings" the oracle told them, much to their surprise.

"What did you see?" Chad asked him lowly. "Can you explain to us what those visions were about?" he then added.

Breathing deeply, Killaman agreed and after regaining his composure, he decided to let them in on what he had been told by the spirits. "In my first vision, I saw a young raven-haired Quincy, born of both pure and impure blood. He was dressed in a majestic uniform as he stood beside the throne belonging to the Father of the Quincies. This young Quincy's eyes stern and focused, as if he was iron itself. For he is the one who will be the Quincies' next emperor. He is the Prinz von Lichts...and the great betrayer" the oracle told them as they listened.

Both Orihime and Chad immediately knew who Killaman was speaking off, but they were so uncertain whether to believe it. It was like they simply refused to take his words seriously. "What is he saying? Uryu…...joining the Wandenreich? And becoming their next leader?" Orihime wondered, her thoughts lost in confusion.

"No…...why would Uryu ever do something like that?" Chad wondered in his head while sweating a little. "He knows the consequences of destabilizing the balance in the world. He knows how that will destroy us all" the tall man noted in his head, still remembering how intelligent Uryu was to even consider joining such mad crusade.

Killaman decided it was time to move on to the next prophecy. "In my second vision, I saw the Linchpin of Existence being stabbed by the blade belonging to his own son. This son carried nothing but resentment towards his father. After stabbing him, the son would then wait until his father's savior came to disrupt his actions. One of the father's saviors, a young man with the spirit of a guardian living inside of him, rushed to the father's side and pulled out the son's blade. But the moment the savior held the son's blade, anger and hatred took hold on his arm and he unwillingly cut the Linchpin of Existence, thus paving way for the end of the world" he told them while they were listening.

"The Linchpin of Existence…..." Orihime thought before recalling something Rangiku had told her once. "Of course! He's talking about the Soul King, the one who controls the regulations of souls flowing in and out of the Soul Society" the young woman added while remembering what the strawberry-haired Shinigami had told her.

But Chad had different thoughts to this. "The saviors…from what I can tell, he must be talking about Ichigo. But who is this son he speaks of? The one who stabbed the Soul King?" he pondered, but suddenly moved on to thinking about Ichigo. "Wait…...this prophecy…...is it telling us that Ichigo will…destroy the Soul King?" he then wondered, his head lost in thoughts and speculations.

"In my third vision, I saw a frail Shinigami captain. His hair was white as the snow itself. This captain could see that the world was going under and a sacrifice had to be done. Therefore, he chose to take the place of the Soul King, with the help of a one-eyed fallen deity. But as most of his comrades assumed he had made a sacrifice to save the world from destruction…...they failed to realize that the captain was in secrecy…..aiding the son of the Linchpin of Existence, thus helping the son become the new Linchpin of Existence" Killaman told them.

"A white-haired Shinigami captain…...but also frail…he's talking about Captain Ukitake!" Orihime felt shock within herself, as she still remembered Ukitake's kindness. "Is he saying that…Ukitake will die?" she then wondered with fear building up inside of her.

"A giant one-eyed deity" Chad noted in his thoughts about what Killaman just told them. "But this does not make any sense. Ukitake…...aiding the enemy? I find it hard to believe that he would do something like that" the tall man added, still filled with uncertainty.

Killaman proceeded. "In my fourth vision, I saw the gates belonging to the realm of the sinners. And beyond those gates, the jailers have become the prisoners. For deep in the realm, lies an eternal entity, who has plotted it's return to break free from the chains surrounding him. To that end, he has entered a bargain with the Father of the Quincies. A bargain that will usher a new era of involuntarily sinners" he revealed his fourth vision.

Chad and Orihime both understood what Killaman was referring to. He spoke of Hell, the place where all who had sinned in life went to in their afterlives. But niether of the two friends could understand what existed in Hell itself. What sort of business had Yhwach in that place.

Killaman could understand how the two teenagers were thinking about what the prophecies could mean, but decided to tell them about his final vision to his visitors. "And in the final vision, I saw…a figure enveloped in darkness…his power equal to the Gods of the early mythos. After realizing his true destiny, the son decided to take his place as the next Linchpin of Existence by absorbing the powers of his father. Henceforth, he emerged as the new ruler of the Soul Society…as well as the worlds beyond. He thus began creating a new world…...the true world...one that would replace this flawed reality. His former order of knights was then suspended...thus paving the way for a new order of knights….one that will serve him as his followers and commanders…..against any who would threaten the rule of the one true Soul King...the knights of the sun and their seven archangels" the elderly paragon was finished, while Chad and Orihime sat still and listened to what they had been told.

"A new world….is this what the Quincies desire?" Orihime Inoue wondered. "But I don't understand, why would the Quincies support a new Soul King?" she added to her thoughts.

Chad was also having many thoughts about this subject. "From what I hear from Killaman's prophecies, the Soul King, happens to have a son…someone who will succeed him as the ruler of the Soul Society. But who could that son be…" the tall man noted in his head, until he felt some kind of realization in his thoughts. "No…it can't be…that's absurd! Could this "Yhwach" be…...the son of the Soul King!?" he wondered while thinking about the Father of the Quincies, although he had only heard about his name and never seen him.

Killaman suddenly reached for his bony staff and held it up in the air, much to the confusion of his visitors. The elderly Arrancar specifically faced Orihime with cunning eyes, and she was still puzzled. All of a sudden, the oracle slammed his staff onto the dusty ground and things around the hut began to change. Orihime and her friend looked around with slight distress, yet they remained seated. The world around them began transforming itself.

But as soon as things settled, the two friends found themselves sitting by the bushes in the Human World. When looking around, they could see that they were in the forest during the night.

"These trees…I remember them!" Orihime said softly. "But where are we?" she then wondered

The orange-haired woman's eyes met the glowing eyes of Killaman once again. "You said you wanted me to assist you with finding the truth? Well, we are currently in the forest on the other side of the Onose River, 14 years ago. I believe you know this small village standing right next to us, do you not?" he asked while pointing his finger to the east.

Orihime and Chad looked towards the direction Killaman was pointing his finger at and they were stung by what they saw. Sneaking up to the bushes, they could see every building in sight being ransacked by none other than Shinigamis. Out from these houses, many Humans, both children and adults, were being thrown out. Or worse, some of them were killed on sight. These people were powerless to stand up against the Shinigamis. But they were no ordinary Humans. They were Interminables.

"Shinigamis...what are they doing?" Chad couldn't believe what he saw.

"These poor people…...they're being ransacked for no reason!" Orihime said while feeling very uncomfortable.

"You are wrong, young lady" Killaman told her lowly. "These Interminables are being ransacked for a good reason. Those Shinigamis are trying find the one and only direct descendant of the first Dèesse, which is only a young and defenseless girl at that time" he went on and told her.

As the ransacking of the villagers continued, Orihime was given a shocking glimpse when she could see a young woman with orange hair, just like herself and a man with short black hair, similar to her late older brother's, being towed in line by the Shinigamis, along with other Interminables. Both of them are facing the ground with both sadness and despair.

"Orihime…that woman…...she looks like…" Chad spoke up, his only visible eye widened by seeing the striking similarities between that woman and Orihime.

"She must be…...my mom….and that man beside her is my dad…...they're my parents!" Orihime called out, realizing who they were.

But that was just not the shocking view Orihime and Chad were seeing. Soon, the Shinigamis set their houses on fire, and it eventually spread out to the nearby trees. All the Shinigamis were standing in a line, as they were expecting someone. They saluted as a group of figures approached the Interminables that had been lined up. Four members of the Kido Corp were accompanying several important members of the 13 Court Guard Squads. The two in the middle were the late Head-Captain of the 13 Court Guard Squads: Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto and the Captain of Squad 6: Byakuya Kuchiki. Orihime and Chad's eyes snapped by seeing those two walking amidst this ruthless violence. Accompanying them were the former Captain of Squad 9 before his defection with Aizen: Kaname Tousen and the Captain of Squad 2: Sui-Feng.

"What the hell's going on here!?" Chad asked out angrily, even though no one could hear him. "Why are those captains lining up those Interminables!?" he asked Killaman, but he white-bearded paragon did not respond to his question.

The four captains suddenly stopped before the line of Interminables, staring at them with no remorse for the situation they were in. Yamamoto eventually faced Byakuya. "Your efforts in locating this village have been commendable, Kuchiki. I am impressed" he told the black-haired Shinigami wearing the white scarf, also known as a Kuchiki-heirloom.

"There were a few obstacles standing in the way of finding their whereabouts. I have both Sui-Feng and Tousen to thank for overcoming them" he said lowly in return while mentioning the other two captains standing with them.

Yamamoto grunted and suddenly turned around to walk away, but not before leaving some parting words to Byakuya. "Very well. There is no sense at standing here anymore. We leave you in charge of these Interminables. Do what you must in finding that descendant" he told him before facing the two other captains. "Sui-Feng. Tousen. You are coming with me! We will venture outside the forest and pick up trails of any Interminable that escape us" he commanded and the two captains followed him without question.

"Yes, head-captain!" both Sui-Feng and Tousen said in unison.

The two captains were on the move, yet Yamamoto was still close to Byakuya. The Captain of Squad 6 had some words he wished to share with his superior. Yamamoto stood still.

"What if the descendant is not found here?" he suddenly asked, causing Yamamoto to stop on his tracks.

The elderly man did not turn around to speak, only facing the direction he was headed towards. "If the child is not here and these vermin refuse to cooperate…...eliminate them" the old man said before continuing on his way.

Hearing what he felt was needed, Byakuya set his piercing eyes on the defenseless Interminables. None of them had enough strength to even run from their captors. "Interminables. on behalf of the Soul Society, I have come here seeking a single favor from you. We have reason to believe the direct descendant of the first Dèesse. If that is true, you are to bring that child to before me immediately" he told them.

So far, none of them had dared to speak up, and they were mostly covering in fear of the Shinigami captain. However, the young woman with orange hair gritted her teeth in frustration by hearing the demand, and she could not stand idly by and be treated like this. Her husband noticed this and tried his best to restrain her.

"You damned monsters! You have no right to take away our children!" she shouted at Byakuya, who remained mostly unfazed at her outburst. Her husband held her tight as possible, while the other Interminables only stared at her with shock at seeing her defiance. "You and that accursed guard of yours can go straight to hell!" she added to her angered words.

But she was not the only one to speak up. "Yes! We know who you are!" a man suddenly had the courage to chim in. "You Shinigamis call yourselves caretakers! But we all know that's a damn lie! You're all nothing but frauds!" he didn't hold back expressing his outrage.

Before anyone could continue attacking him verbally, Byakuya drew his Zanpakutou, his eyes filled with displeasure. "Your insolence offends me. To let someone as infernal like that child breathe in this world is a terrible crime. And since none of you wishes to cooperate in telling me where to find them, you will all be punished for your sins That will make you all regret not revealing the truth when you all had the chance" he told them and he was actually intending on killing these people.

Everyone was in terror, and only one man had the audacity to say this. "W-WAIT! I'LL TELL YOU! JUST DON'T KILL ME!" this coward's plea fell on deaf ears.

"Scatter, Senbonzakura" Byakuya said lowly, and the blade began disintegrating into many smaller cherry blossom blades.

Orihime and Chad both cried at seeing this as the cherry blossom blades danced in the air and around the Interminables. Soon, they descended upon the people like a storm of endless blades, eventually killing them all in an instant. No Human being could survive the horrors of Byakuya Kuchiki's Shikai. One by one, the Interminables fell onto their deaths, with nothing but blood covering their bodies.

Seeing her parents falling onto the ground lifelessly, Orihime let out a scream. It was a scream of despair, agony and sadness. She was now finally witnessing the truth and it had broken her down emotionally. While she was doing that, the world around her began to change, as she was soon returned to the place she was before being able to witness this great atrocity.

"MOTHER! FATHER!" Orihime cried, her tears never going away as she still pictured the corpses of her parents in the pool of blood. The orange-haired woman would from now on, be haunted by this terrifying nightmare.

To be continued…..

Author's note: That was chapter 10. I hoped some of you found this interesting. It was also very dramatic in writing it as well. How will Orihime look at the Shinigamis know that she knows the truth, or perhaps more specifically, is she willing to forgive Byakuya? Only time will tell how this terrible genocide will be brought into the Soul Society' history books.

Coliseo – Spanish for "Colosseum": This is the place for citizens of El Dorado to visit if they wish to see "violent" entertainment. Nobody knows much about these brutal games, but they have been given full backing by Augustus Zod Allowin himself, as he too finds pleasure in seeing Esclavos fighting for his amusement.

Aquñars - Spanish for "Coins": This is the currency used in the Imperio de Hierro and it's capital: El Dorado. The golden coins only reflect the status of the city.